If you’ve ever tried to entertain kids—and adults—get close animals with razor-sharp talons and unpredictable instincts, you’ll know it’s not for the faint-hearted. In this episode of The Dadsnet Podcast, adventurer and wildlife TV legend Steve Backshall lets us into the chaos, unpredictability—and hilarity—of Deadly live shows.
“It’s like a panto… with dinosaurs”
Steve kicks off the conversation by reminding us that Deadly 60 wasn’t made for kids—it was made for adults. The result? It became the rare wildlife show that both parents and children can enjoy. And its live adaptations? Think big arenas, 25 kg lizards, birds of prey… and no script for chaos.
“You can’t tell an animal what to do,” Steve says. “That unpredictability is what makes it magic.”
He recounts moments when a “friendly” tegu lizard shredded his arms mid-show—or when a falcon spied a pigeon in the distance and simply stared off stage mid-flight, leaving audiences in stunned silence. But it’s precisely this raw authenticity that keeps families enthralled, laughter echoing through the aisles.
Why chaos connects
Screen time might be predictable. But straight-up unpredictability?
That’s bonding.
Steve explains that the live, unfiltered moments land with families because they see real danger and authentic reactions. When a bird disappears mid-act, or a big lizard decides to climb rather than pose, the audience isn’t just entertained—they’re invited into the story. That tension, relief, and next-level spectacle? It’s what Dad-kids love.
And honestly? Aren’t parenting moments just the same? Mix in toddlers, lunchboxes, and tantrums—it’s messy, unpredictable, and heartfelt. Steve’s wild stage moments offer a surprisingly perfect mirror to loving, imperfect fatherhood.
The scary, the silly… and a few surprises
A standout moment described in the episode? A falcon flying off into Longleat’s trees mid-live show. The crew fanned out with falconers and GPS trackers, the nation gasped—and then laughed as the bird returned. It’s that unpredictability Steve says keeps the magic alive: “When things go wrong, it’s honest. It’s entertaining.”
Takeaway for Dads
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Embrace imperfection: Mushrooms of mischief—on stage or at home—are where the magic lies.
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Cook with authenticity: No script, no filter, no problem—especially where kids are involved.
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Laugh with the chaos: Tears, scratches, runaway falcons… these are the moments we remember.
If you think parenting is unpredictable, it’s nothing compared to wrangling wildlife in front of thousands. And yet, Steve Backshall pulls off both with humility, humour—and no small amount of heart.
Ready for more?
Want to hear the full story behind the tegu lizard saga (awkward scabs and all), plus Steve’s top three Dad-approved survival tips?
👉 Catch the rest of our chat with Steve Backshall on The Dadsnet Podcast now.
